Las Cruces police held a press conference on October 14 to provide new information about an officer-involved shooting that occurred on October 9. The subject, identified as **Philip Adrian Mullin**, 50, was fatally shot by a police officer outside a Chili’s restaurant on South Telshor Boulevard.

According to the released body-camera footage and 911 calls, Mullin reportedly entered the restaurant armed with a knife and a hammer and threatened patrons. Minutes earlier, officers had responded to a separate complaint of vehicle damage involving Mullin.

When first officers arrived at the Chili’s parking lot, Mullin was seated in his car. He was ordered to exit the vehicle, but instead retrieved a hammer and began walking toward an officer. The officer issued verbal commands for him to stop but, as Mullin advanced, fired three shots, striking him. Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures, but Mullin was declared dead at the scene.

Investigators recovered a knife and hammer from Mullin’s car, matching the weapons described in the 911 calls and prior vandalism report. According to Police Chief Jeremy Story, Mullin had a known history of mental health issues and prior encounters with law enforcement, though he had not been arrested previously in Las Cruces.

No serious injuries were reported among restaurant patrons, though two individuals were treated as assault victims. The shooting is under investigation by the Officer-Involved Incident Task Force, which includes investigators from multiple agencies. The case will be turned over to the Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office when the investigation is complete.